Technology 'could restore sight'

Recent research has revealed the possibility of restoring the sight of blind people.

Published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the study focused on patients who were blind due to hereditary retinal degeneration.

The scientists found that by using subretinal micro-electrode arrays they could restore visual perception to the extent that people could identify and localise specific objects and even read letters.

Dharmesh Patel, chairman of Eyecare Trust, said: "These early results are very encouraging and we look forward to seeing the results of future trials.

"It clearly demonstrates how developments in nanotechnology can improve the quality of life of millions of people suffering sight loss."

However, he added that at the moment "it is very early days" although further trials could allow for the development of additional treatments for "retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration and other sight-threatening conditions that affect the delicate photoreceptors inside the eye".